These keto meatballs are cheesy, filling and tasty. You won’t miss breadcrumbs when you eat them. While the recipe, as written, does have a few carbs, they fit easily within most carb allowances. Make these ahead of time and freeze them uncooked so you can pull a few out when you need a fast dinner. The two cheeses give the meatballs a hearty texture and the delicious tomato-based sauce is sweet with a peppery edge from a bit of pesto.
Keto Meatballs Ingredients
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan gives the meatballs umami flavor while also bulking up the recipe.
- Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella also adds bulk in place of breadcrumbs.
- Egg: An egg binds all the cheese and meat together.
- Heavy whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream has fewer carbs than regular milk, so it adds moisture while lowering the total carb gram count.
- Garlic clove: A minced garlic clove provides flavor without becoming overwhelming.
- Lean ground beef (90% lean): Using lean ground beef reduces the amount of fat that could melt during baking and makes the meatballs seem overly greasy. It also reduces the overall fat in the recipe.
SAUCE:
- Tomato sauce with basil, garlic and oregano: This forms the base for the sauce. To save time, use a canned mix rather than adding the spices yourself.
- Pesto: Pesto adds a peppery and salty note.
- Heavy whipping cream: This makes the sauce thicker and creamier.
Directions
Step 1: Make the meatballs
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, heavy whipping cream and garlic in a large bowl and then add the beef. Mix everything thoroughly but lightly; don’t overwork the mixture. Grease a large rack that fits in a 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Shape the beef mixture into 1-1/2 inch balls and place them on the rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until cooked through. The meatballs should reach 165° internally.
Step 2: Make the sauce
Mix the tomato sauce, pesto and heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan and heat through. Serve with the meatballs.
Keto Meatballs Variations
- Use your favorite keto sauce recipe: Whether you’ve run out of whipping cream or don’t like pesto, you can change the sauce recipe you use to one that you prefer. If that recipe isn’t keto, it may be very easy to convert it, as so many brands have started selling keto versions of different foods. For example, in this barbecue meatballs recipe, you can easily replace ketchup and the brown sugar in the sauce with keto-friendly versions.
- Use ground turkey: While turkey and beef taste different, turkey is hearty enough to be an excellent beef substitute. Try using 93% lean turkey with a mix of light and dark meat, as used in this spinach turkey meatballs recipe.
How to Store Keto Meatballs
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat them within two days.
Can you make Keto Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatball mixture and shape it. Freeze the uncooked meatballs by placing them on a flat pan that fits in your freezer and let them freeze for about 30 minutes. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To cook, let them thaw for a day in the refrigerator and then cook them as per the recipe. Always check the internal temperature and ensure you cook them to 165° internally. It’s easiest to make the sauce when you serve them.
Keto Meatballs Tips
Can you cook Keto Meatballs in an air fryer?
You absolutely can cook air-fryer keto meatballs. Grease a tray that fits in an air fryer basket and put a single layer of formed meatballs on the rack. Cook until done and the meatballs reach 165° internally.
Do these Keto Meatballs contain any carbs?
The recipe as written does contain a small amount of carbs. But remember, unless you have to follow a strict zero-carb diet for medical reasons (one that’s done under medical supervision for a specific health condition), you can have some carbs while on keto. Check out these other keto tips to help create a reasonable and balanced meal plan.
Can these Keto Meatballs be made without the egg?
If you’re allergic to eggs, use a flax egg instead. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed and three tablespoons of water, and let it sit for about five minutes so that the flaxseed absorbs the water.
What can you serve with Keto Meatballs?
Going keto does not mean going all-meat, so serve a side salad with these meatballs, such as this Three-Green Salad recipe. Just replace the sugar in the dressing with a keto-friendly substitute.
